“We’ve all pulled up behind a truck that’s moving slow and swinging wide, but just because a passenger vehicle is more nimble doesn’t mean it’s the smart thing to squeeze on through,” said Chief Burbank in launching the “Trucks Need Space” safe driving initiative. “In trying to shave a few seconds off your commute, you can literally put your life in danger,” he added.

and increase accurate reporting and citations by officers of such crashes.

Television and radio ads, billboards, brochures, posters, cards, and a website emphasize the message “It’s Not a Race, Trucks Need Space.” While aggressive or distracted driving could earn drivers a $750 fine, members of the public who take the pledge at trucksneedspace.com have an opportunity to win Jazz tickets or a $100 gift card.

Formally known as the Ticketing Aggressive Cars and Trucks (TACT) grant, the three-phased project is funded by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. The public education component is the final phase of the two-year project.

About the grant:

Sponsored by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, the Ticketing Aggressive Cars and Trucks (TACT) program is a high-visibility traffic enforcement program that uses communication, enforcement and evaluation activities to reduce CMV-related crashes, fatalities and injuries. The Salt Lake City TACT grant includes: